Method for culture of fungi including shiitake (Lentinus edodes)

Abstract

An improved substrate for mushrooms that is essentially cellulose-free comprising a major portion of grain and minor portions of nutritional supplements. The grain is partially sterilized by boiling in order to kill bacteria, cooled in order to induce germination of the heat resistant spores, and steam sterilized before the germinated spores have matured sufficiently to create new spores. The substate can be used to grow fungi, including mushrooms, especially shiitake.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for culturing tree mushrooms on a substantially cellulose free medium, comprising: preparing a grain mixture by mixing water in approximately one to one-fourth parts by weight per part of a dry mixture containing a major portion of grain and minor portions of starch, protein and nutrient sources;   boiling said grain mixture for approximately 1 hour;   cooling said grain mixture for approximately 8 to 24 hours;   introducing said grain mixture into a microorganism impermeable sterilizable container;   sterilizing said container and said grain mixture;   introducing tree mushroom spawn into said grain mixture;   shaking said container to mix said tree mushroom spawn throughout said grain mixture;   incubating said tree mushroom spawn in said container to allow said tree mushroom spawn to consume said grain mixture and to form mycelium; and   inducing said mycelium to fruit, whereby tree mushroom fruiting bodies are formed; and   harvesting said fruiting bodies.   
     
     
       2. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, further comprising: mixing a permeability improving additive into said grain mixture during said cooling step.   
     
     
       3. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said grain comprises:   sorghum grain.   
     
     
       4. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said protein comprises maple pea sprouts.   
     
     
       5. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said sterilizing step is accomplished by steam sterilizing said container and said grain mixture at a temperature of approximately 250° F. and a pressure of approximately 15 pounds per square inch, for approximately 7 hours.   
     
     
       6. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein said tree mushroom spawn comprises: grain that has been previously colonized with tree mushroom spawn.   
     
     
       7. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said inducing step is accomplished by removing said mycelium from said containers and exposing said mycelium to an intermittent cold water mist.   
     
     
       8. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein said intermittent cold water mist is accomplished by using water chilled to 50° to 75° F. for 2 to 120 seconds at 2 to 10 minute intervals for 6 to 15 hours during daylight hours and for 2 hours at night. 
     
     
       9. A method for culturing tree mushrooms according to claim 1, wherein: said starch, protein and nutrient sources are preselected to meet the nutritional requirements of said mushrooms.   
     
     
       10. A method for culturing tree mushrooms according to claim 1, further comprising adding whole garlic to said grain mixture before said boiling step. 
     
     
       11. A method for culturing tree mushrooms according to claim 1, wherein: said tree mushroom spawn is shiitake mushroom spawn.   
     
     
       12. A method for culturing tree mushrooms according to claim 1, wherein: said tree mushroom spawn is oyster mushroom spawn.   
     
     
       13. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said protein comprises bean sprouts.   
     
     
       14. A method for culturing mushrooms according to claim 1, further comprising: retaining said mycelium for approximately 3 to 4 months after said incubating step.   
     
     
       15. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 14, wherein: said cold shock is accomplished by chilling said containers at approximately 40° to 65° Fahrenheit for 5 to 15 days.   
     
     
       16. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 14, wherein: said cold shock is accomplished by a cold water bath for 24 to 48 hours.   
     
     
       17. A method for culturing tree mushrooms, according to claim 1, wherein: said inducing step is accomplished by cold shocking said containers.   
     
     
       18. A method for culturing tree mushrooms on a substantially cellulose free medium, comprising: preparing a grain mixture by mixing water in approximately one to one-fourth parts by weight per part of a dry mixture containing a major portion of grain and minor portions of starch, protein and nutrient sources;   boiling said grain mixture for approximately 1 hour;   cooling said grain mixture for approximately 8 to 24 hours;   introducing said grain mixture into a microorganism impermeable sterilizable container;   sterilizing said container and said grain mixture;   introducing tree mushroom spawn into said grain mixture;   shaking said container to mix said tree mushroom spawn throughout said grain mixture;   incubating said tree mushroom spawn in said container to allow said tree mushroom spawn to consume said grain mixture and to form mycelium;   chilling said container and said mycelium for 7 to 9 days at a temperature of approximately 45 degrees fahrenheit;   removing aid mycelium from said containers;   intermittently misting said mycelium with chilled water until tree mushrooms of the desired size are gown, whereby tree mushroom fruiting bodies are formed; and   harvesting said fruiting bodies.   
     
     
       19. A method for culturing mushrooms, comprising: boiling between 25 and 35 gallons of water;   adding between 5 and 20 pounds of Russet potatoes, between 2 and 35 pounds of brewer's yeast powder and between 1/2 and 4 pounds of garlic to form an intermediate mixture;   boiling said intermediate mixture using a heat source;   mixing said intermediate mixture to break clumps into small pieces;   adding between 150 and 300 pounds of whole sorghum grain and between 1/2 and 15 pounds of rolled barley grain to form a grain mixture;   adding a sufficient amount of water to immerse said grain mixture;   boiling and stirring said grain mixture only until the water level falls below said grain mixture level;   removing said heat source;   approximately one hour after removal of said heat source, draining said grain mixture;   approximately 8 to 24 hours after said draining step, mixing said grain mixture with between 12 and 37 pounds of limestone powder and 50 to 100 pounds of gypsum powder until said grain mixture is completely coated;   introducing measured portions of said grain mixture into sterilizable microorganism impermeable containers;   sterilizing said sterilizable microorganism impermeable containers and said grain mixture;   introducing mushroom spawn into said grain mixture;   mixing said mushroom spawn throughout said grain mixture;   incubating said mushroom spawn in said container to allow said mushroom spawn to consume said grain mixture and to form mycelium; and   inducing said mycelium to fruit.   
     
     
       20. A method for culturing mushrooms, according to claim 19, wherein said mushroom spawn is hiitake mushroom spawn. 
     
     
       21. A method for culturing mushrooms, according to claim 19, wherein said mushroom spawn is oyster mushroom spawn. 
     
     
       22. A method for culturing mushrooms, according to claim 19, wherein said mushroom spawn is button mushroom spawn. 
     
     
       23. A method for culturing mushrooms, according to claim 19, wherein said mushroom spawn is paddy straw mushroom spawn. 
     
     
       24. A method for culturing mushrooms, according to claim 19, wherein said mushroom spawn is enoki mushroom spawn.